Drum sticks are accompanied by a CDV of Mills, original newspaper article from the Newbern Progess dated June 14, 1862 regarding the presentation, and a lot of documents including GAR certificates for appointment as Aide De CaCamp, and an documents from the State of New York for 25 years service in the state militia.

Mills and another musician, John Sully (a Fife-Major) were the only musicians to respond to lead the company in their charge at Newbern.

The silver caps on both presentation sticks read: “To / Jesse Mills / from / Co. B 13th Reg't. N.Y.S.M.”The second set of sticks show their battle use and have a field repair of twisted twine.

Jessie W. Mills was 19 years old when he enlisted on 8/19/61 at Brooklyn, NY as a Drummer. On 9/12/61 he mustered into Co. G, 51st New York Infantry. Re-enlisted on 1/28/64. He mustered out on 7/25/65 at Alexandria, VA.

The newspaper article from the Newbern Progress reads in part:

“Quite an interesting ceremony was performed at Camp Potter, in Company G, 51st Regt. N.Y.V., on Monday the 9th inst. It was that of presenting to the Fife-Major, John Sully, two very handsome fifes,.... and to Jesse Mills, drummer, 2 setts drum sticks, one very handsomely mounted, bearing the name of the recipient with that of the donors. These gifts from their old Company in the 13th regiment, of Brooklyn, are highly appreciated by the whole of the Company G, and will be treasured by the fortunate recipients. They were presented by Company B of the 13th reg’t. as a token of their appreciation of the gallantry of these young men in furnishing the only music in the whole Division in the march to meet the enemy at Newbern.

In making the presentation, Capt. Sims had the company drawn up in front of his quarters….Capt. Sims now addressed Mr. Jesse Mills, stating he was happy to present him with two setts of drum sticks, as he had always performed his duty and was ever a reliable man in his company.

The Captain then proposed three hearty cheers for Company B, of the 13th regt. of Brooklyn, which were heartily given and as only Company G can give them….Thus ended one of the most interesting and pleasing episodes in the monotony of our camp life.”

The 51st New York’s first active service of the regiment was at Roanoke island, where it fought with courage and steadiness. The battle of New Berne followed in March, in which the 51st suffered the most severely of any regiment engaged-71 men being killed or wounded. It participated in Gen. Pope's campaign; was present at Kelly's ford; was closely engaged at Sulphur Springs, the second Bull Run and Chantilly, with a loss in the campaign of 89 in killed, wounded and missing. It was active at South Mountain and Antietam, losing in the latter battle 87 killed or wounded in a most brilliant charge across the stone bridge, which alone would have made the fighting qualities of the regiment renowned. The 51st was engaged at Jefferson, VA, and Warrenton Springs and Fredericksburg, where it took part in the battle in December with a loss of 73 members. After sharing the hardships of Burnside's "Mud March," the regiment transferred to the Department of the West and with the 9th corps arrived at Vicksburg in June. It participated in the siege operations and the pursuit to Jackson, Miss.; then proceeded to Tennessee, where it Participated in the battle of Blue Springs; was active at Campbell's Station, and assisted in the defense of Knoxville during the siege. In the Wilderness campaign the loss of the regiment was 79 during the first two days, including Col. LeGendre, who was wounded in the eye.